The Evolution Of Tv Cameras: Rotating Multiple Lenses

Television cameras, or professional video cameras, were originally developed for use in television studios or with outside broadcast trucks. They are now also used for music videos, direct-to-video movies, corporate and educational videos, and wedding videos, among other uses.

The first colour television cameras were much more complex than their monochrome predecessors, with their three or four pickup tubes, and their size and weight drastically increased. Handheld colour cameras did not come into general use until the early 1970s.

The first truly portable hand-held TV camera was introduced by Ikegami in 1962. The RCA TK-40 is considered to be the first colour television camera for broadcasts in 1953. RCA continued its lead in the high-end camera market until the TK-47 in 1978, the last of the high-end tube cameras from RCA.

The multi-lens rotating prototype, Multi Turret, is a modern invention that enables camera operators to quickly toggle between three different lenses. It is currently in the prototype stage.

To enable camera operators to quickly switch between different lenses

The Multi Turret is a rotating mount that enables camera operators to quickly switch between different lenses. The mount was designed by cinematographer Ian Kerr and was showcased at NAB 2019.

The Multi Turret is compatible with various camera models, including the Sony FS7 Mk2, A7S/R, and Venice. It supports Canon EF lenses, but other versions that support different mounts are also likely possible.

Switching between lenses with the Multi Turret only requires the camera operator to rotate the mount, which then repositions a different lens in front of the camera. This allows camera operators to switch lenses quickly without requiring an assistant or incurring the wrath of a director who won't wait for a conventional lens change.

To reduce chromatic aberration

Television cameras, like other cameras, have multiple lenses to reduce chromatic aberration. This is when different light colours end up being focused at different points, resulting in a blurred image.

Chromatic aberration occurs due to the dependence of the refraction process on the frequency of the light. In other words, the camera lens bends different colours by different amounts, bringing them to a focus at different distances.

To correct this issue, lenses are paired to form an achromatic doublet. This is a type of lens system or objective that uses two lenses of different types of glass and is designed to reduce chromatic aberration.

To improve optical performance while minimising aberrations

The rotating multiple lenses on television cameras are used to improve optical performance while minimising aberrations.

The first colour television cameras in the 1950s in the US and early 1960s in Europe, notably the RCA TK-40/41 series, were much more complex with their three or four pickup tubes, and their size and weight drastically increased.

The Ikegami HL-33, the RCA TKP45 and the Thomson Microcam were the first portable two-piece colour cameras introduced in the early 1970s.

The Double Gauss lens system contains seven lenses. This is to further reduce the imaging defects like chromatic aberration and coma formation.

Sometimes lenses are paired to form an achromatic doublet. This is done to reduce the effects of chromatic aberration, which results in blurring because different light colours end up being focused at different points due to the dependence of the refraction process on the frequency of the light.

To provide a zoom and focus function

Television cameras, or professional video cameras, have multiple lenses that rotate to provide a zoom and focus function. The rotation of the lenses enables camera operators to quickly switch between different lenses and focal lengths. This feature is particularly useful for shooting in cars or handheld.

The multiple lenses also serve to reduce the length, weight, and centre of gravity of the camera system compared to larger ratio zoom lenses. In addition, rotating lenses allow camera operators to select from multiple focal lengths while still using primes and the depth of field/low-light capabilities they offer.

Furthermore, the rotating lens mechanism enables camera operators to switch between lenses swiftly without requiring an assistant or incurring the wrath of a director who won't wait for a conventional lens change.

To improve image quality

Television cameras, also known as professional video cameras, were initially developed for use in television studios or with outside broadcast trucks. They are now also used for music videos, direct-to-video movies, corporate and educational videos, and wedding videos, among other uses.

The first colour television cameras were introduced in the 1950s in the US and early 1960s in Europe. They were much more complex with their three or four pickup tubes, and their size and weight drastically increased.

The image quality of television cameras has improved over the years, with the introduction of HDTV cameras, CCD sensors, and CMOS sensors.

The rotating multi-lens design of television cameras allows camera operators to quickly switch between different lenses and achieve varying focal lengths. This feature improves image quality by providing a wider range of field of view options and enabling the selection of multiple focal lengths while still using primes and the depth of field/low-light capabilities they offer.

The rotating multi-lens design also reduces the length, weight, and centre of gravity of the camera system, making it ideal for shooting in cars or handheld. This improves image quality by providing more flexibility and ease of use for camera operators, especially in confined spaces or when shooting from a moving vehicle.

In addition, the rotating multi-lens design allows for the conversion of lens mount types and camera mount types, providing further flexibility to use different types of lenses and cameras together. This can be advantageous when working with specific camera systems or when trying to achieve unique visual effects.

Overall, the rotating multi-lens design of television cameras offers improved image quality, flexibility, and ease of use for camera operators, making it a valuable feature in the world of television and video production.

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